No resolution reached in New Haven's Hillhouse High grade tampering investigation (video)

Shahid Abdul-Karim, Register Staff

Published 12:00 am, Friday, September 14, 2012

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Hillhouse Principal Kermit Carolina and his attorney Michael Jefferson speak following a meeting with New Haven Superintendent of Schools Reginald Mayo and others
Photo by Shahid Abdul-Karim

Hillhouse Principal Kermit Carolina and his attorney Michael Jefferson speak following a meeting with New Haven Superintendent of Schools Reginald Mayo and others
Photo by Shahid Abdul-Karim

No resolution reached in New Haven's Hillhouse High grade tampering investigation (video)

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No verdict was reached Friday in the investigation of James Hillhouse High School Principal Kermit Carolina, as Carolina continues to thrust forward to prove the innocence of himself and his school amid allegations of grade tampering.

Carolina and his attorney, Michael Jefferson, were very confident with the information they presented as they walked out of the board of education building with a sense of relief following a meeting with Superintendent of Schools Reginald Mayo.

"I think we presented some very strong evidence in my defense, and we are hoping that things work out in my favor and for the favor of my school," said Carolina, who is seen in the community as a mentor to many city youths.

"At this point, we are going to leave it in the hands of the superintendent and wait to hear what conclusions he comes to," Carolina said.

The meeting lasted more than two hours, with no timeframe regarding a decision.

Mayo, who called the mandatory meeting, said, "Today I met with Principal Carolina to go over the report and hear what he has to say about our findings of grade and credit tampering at Hillhouse high school."

"Kermit Carolina is being given his due process on this matter, and I will consider all the facts when deciding on appropriate action to take," Mayo added.

The probe into allegations of grade tampering began last fall, after Hillhouse Assistant Principal Shirley Love Joyner, who is on a leave of absence, made allegations of grade tampering and improper granting of credits for student-athletes at the school, according to a report.

Jefferson who said from the start he believes the probe is a witch hunt and fishing expedition, said after the meeting, "I think we presented a very good case, and if they absorb what we said and consider the points made, I think Kermit should be vindicated."

"Kermit is a valuable member of our community and we have to protect that," Jefferson added.

The investigation involved dozens of interviews and extensive reviewing of records, including emails, student transcripts, school records, teacher grading sheets and other documents, the district said in a previous statement.

When asked if the NAACP would get involved or if disciplinary action will be taken, Carolina said, "I'm hopeful that this will end today or over the next couple of days."

"Anything beyond that is not necessary. I'm very passionate about my reputation and character, and when that is questioned or attacked, you have to fight for it," he said.